Hope For Children Office for Children's Rights

National Network
Cyprus
Address

43, 28th october Street, Engomi, Nicosia, 2414
Nicosia
Cyprus

Telephone
00357 96580791
Telephone (other)
00357 96355666
E-Mail
varughese.j@unic.ac.cy
E-Mail (2)
hfc.ocr@gmail.com
Mobile Phone
00357 96580791
Mobile Phone (other)
00357 96355666
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
2008
Fields of Activity
  1. Human rights
General Information
The HFC “Hope For Children”- Office of Children’s Rights was officially registered at the end of December 2008. HFC consists of seven active members and senior advisory Board members, Incorporating academics and diplomats. is presided by a Director-General and a Director for Public Information. We also have a roster that includes a number of school and university students who are willing to be volunteers at time of necessity. Important activaties organized in Cyprus by our organization include: • The organization of a conference to commemorate the Universal Children’s Day in 2008 (Children as future pillars of the world) in University of Nicosia with the co-operation of the Department of Law. • On the same occasion, A play time was organized at Pappaphilipou (please see the poster for the details). • The setting up of a Children’s rights public information booth at the Cyprus international fair for one and half months. • The organization of a fundraising event for Children in Gaza called University Clubbing on Ice. Ongoing Project Co-operation: To promote UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), we are currently in the process of organizing a series of panel discussion and roundtables in universities throughout the island with the co-operation of Future World Center (http://fwcis.blogspot.com/). Forthcoming projects: • We have applied for an EEA grant in order to Implement non-formal education on children’s rights in the Republic of Cyprus. HfC benefits from a pool of trainers who has been trained by the Council of Europe to use Campasito manual. For information on the manual, please visit http://www.eycb.coe.int/compasito/default.htm Partners on this project includethe Commissioner for Children’s rights of the Republic of Cyprus, is the NGO Support Center and Olive Branch foundation. • We are discussing with Child Help Line about possibility of setting up the first Child helpline in Cyprus. Cooperation with international organizations, such as Child Helpline International, the Council of Europe and other NGOs in Cyprus and “ Smile of the Child” in Greece are also discussed. • We are in the process of initiating the project “The Separated Children in Europe Programme”. Save Children Delegation from Brussels along with UNHCR Experts are expected to visit HFC in mid- May in Cyprus to discuss future co-operation.(http://www.separated-children-europe-programme.org/index.html) • Another important project we are in the going apply is that Vocational Education and Training for Vulnerable and Marginalized Groups in India." EuropeAid with two other partners, one in India and Future Worlds Center will be main applicant (www.cnti.org.cy) We endeavor to create links and potential for co-operation with other ministries of the Republic of Cyprus. Contacts are being established and meetings being held
Mission and Objectives

The HFC "Hope for Children"Office for Children’s Rights is an independent, non-profit and non-governmental organization based in Nicosia, Cyprus. Our organization works on humanitarian and development policy relevant to the defense and promotion children’s rights. It does so through research, grassroots program design and implementation and advisory services offered to governments and international organizations.
The vision of the HFC-OCR is to raise awareness within the Cypriot community on disadvantaged children’s suffering. It seeks to promote humanitarian values and charity among Cypriots, and to promote integration and inclusion of migrant children (asylum seekers, refugees and migrants ) into the Cypriot society. The needs of enclaved children in the occupied territories of Cyprus are given particular attention.
Mission Statement
The HFC-OCR aims to advocate and to protect children’s rights based on the standards and principles of the UN Convention for the Rights of the Child and EU Directives. The protection of children’s rights holds a special place in international conventions. HFC’s doors are open to all children regardless of religious and cultural background HFC-OCR also aims to improve the quality of life of socially disadvantaged children, such as asylum seekers, refugees and enclaved children in Cyprus as well as those in war-torn areas. Through education and social mobilization, HFC-OCR will work on raising awareness and promoting respect towards all cultures, religions and diversity in the Cypriot society.

Main Projects / Activities

• Establish networks with NGOs in Cyprus and worldwide in order to exchange knowledge and expertise.
• Create a youth forum offering opportunities to children to express and share their views with others.
• Facilitate opportunities for trans-national support and exchange on policies.
• Conduct surveys relevant to disadvantaged children’s needs.
• Organize exhibitions, symposiums, conferences and seminars to raise awareness and disseminate information.
• Organize events, such as summer camps/academy, as a means of enhancing integration between migrant (asylum seekers and refugee children) and Cypriot children.
• Provide reports to relevant government departments.
• Conduct research on issues such as the integration of the foreign/migrant children in Cypriots schools.
• Provide research/internship opportunities for graduate and PhD students with an interest in this field.
• Establish links with parliamentary communities, advisory groups, think-tanks and other relevant organizations.
• Attend training seminars for knowledge development.
• Represent the views of the organization to international institutions through both formal and informal structures as well as through written material.
• Obtain funds through donations, subscriptions, legacies, grants and any other lawful methods.
• Organize humanitarian missions at local and international level.
• Recruit volunteers.

Contact (1) Full Name
Joseph Varughese
Head of the organisation
Director General
Contact (2) Full Name
Mr. Christos Pieri